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Sunday, August 28. 2016

Hyperopia is a very common type of refractive error and is also known as farsightedness. People with this problem can see the distant images clearly, but have the problem in focusing on the closer object. The closer the object, more blurred will be the image formed. An image is formed when the ray of light passes through the lens and cornea of an eye and is refracted towards the back of the eye, at the cortex. In people with this disorder, the light ray is refracted behind the retina, rather than focusing on it. Therefore, the images of distant objects are formed somehow clear, while the near objects get blurred. The eyeball of a farsighted person is shorter than normal which causes this refractive error. It can also be caused if the cornea or lens of a person is not smoothly and evenly curved.

The disorder is hereditary in nature, as it can transfer from parents to the children. Almost one-fourth of the world's population has this refractive error. Many children are born with this problem, of which many overcome it as with aging the size of their eyeball increases and adjust normally. In adults, the focusing capacity of the eye starts reducing after the age of 40, causing blurry vision of the near objects.

The symptoms can vary for every person. Common signs and symptoms include eye squinting, headache, eyestrain, blurry vision for closer objects, fatigue, and pain in neck and shoulders' muscles. Children are unable to detect the problem and it is the duty of their parents to keep a closer eye on them to notice symptoms of any problem. It can affect the academic performance of a child and can also have a negative impact on his personality development. Children can suffer from confusion and lack of confidence in case of continuous, undetected persistence of the problem.

An ophthalmologist can detect hyperopia easily after a detailed eye examination. The common methods to treat the disorder include the use of eyeglasses or contact lens. A convergent lens, also known as the convex lens is used to refocus the image formation on the retina. It refracts the light in the correct direction. In extreme cases, the opticians suggest having a lasik refractive eye surgery. This is not suitable for everyone as there are various complications in the criteria and procedure. However, only the doctor can tell what treatment option is best for a person, as per their eye condition and other health factors, as well as their lifestyle.